As the world of e-commerce continues to evolve, many aspiring entrepreneurs find themselves at a crossroads: Shopify vs Etsy: The Best for Print on Demand Should they choose Shopify or Etsy for their print-on-demand business? This question has sparked countless discussions, especially among those in the print-on-demand community. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the comparison of Shopify and Etsy, focusing on three critical aspects: traffic generation, return on investment (ROI), and the freedom to explore niches.
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Understanding the Platforms
Before we compare the two platforms, let’s clarify what each one offers.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a robust e-commerce platform that allows users to create their own online stores. It provides merchants with complete control over their branding, product listings, and customer interactions. With Shopify, you can build a unique brand identity, customize your store’s design, and implement various marketing strategies to drive traffic. Start your Shopify website today!
Read more about Starting print on Demand with a Shopify website HERE, ps it’s FREE!
What is Etsy?
Etsy, on the other hand, is a marketplace specifically designed for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. It offers a built-in audience of buyers looking for one-of-a-kind items. While this can be an advantage for visibility, it also means that sellers are competing with thousands of other shops for attention. My favorite Etsy SEO research tool is EverBee. Everbee gives you a behind the scenes look at your competitors shops aw well as an in-depth review and rating of your own shop & listings!
Traffic Generation: Which Platform is Easier for New Sellers?
The first question we need to address is where it’s easier for new sellers to get traffic to their products. How do these two platforms stack up in terms of visibility?
On Etsy, you start by creating a storefront and uploading your designs. Your listings then appear in Etsy’s search results when users search for relevant items. While this sounds straightforward, the reality is that competition is fierce. With over 10 million sellers on Etsy, gaining visibility can be challenging. Many new sellers struggle to get eyeballs on their designs, especially in saturated niches.
In contrast, Shopify allows you to drive traffic directly to your store through various channels. You can use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to promote your products and even run targeted ads. For instance, a simple $5 per day ad can lead potential customers directly to your Shopify store, where they are less likely to be distracted by competitors’ listings. This method not only gives you control over your traffic but also allows you to build a dedicated audience over time. Shopify vs Etsy: The Best for Print on Demand
Connecting your Shop to Gelato
Thankfully both Shopify & Etsy easily connect to one of my favorite pod suppliers, Gelato!
Gelato offers high-quality & fast shipping, perfect for 5 star Etsy reviews! When you open a new account HERE, you’ll receive 50% off your first sample order
Return on Investment (ROI): Long-Term Gains
Next, let’s discuss which platform offers a better ROI based on the time and effort you invest.
If you spend six months building an Etsy shop, you will likely end up with a store full of designs, but you may find that maintaining visibility requires constant uploads of new listings. This means you’ll be continually creating designs to stay relevant in the marketplace. Many successful Etsy sellers admit that they have hundreds or even thousands of listings to compete effectively.
On the other hand, a Shopify store allows you to build a brand and an audience. After six months, you would have established a solid customer base, identified your best-selling products, and initiated partnerships with influencers. Unlike Etsy, where your success is tied to constantly creating new designs, a Shopify store allows you to focus on maintaining your business and engaging with your audience. You can also sell your store as an asset, providing a tangible return on your investment.
Freedom to Explore Niches: Which Platform is Better?
Lastly, let’s explore which platform offers more freedom to sell in diverse niches.
On Etsy, the best niches tend to be highly competitive. Many guides suggest finding low-competition niches to stand out, but this often means compromising on product demand. Sellers might end up offering products that lack long-term potential simply to avoid competition.
Shopify, however, provides the flexibility to choose any niche you want. You can create a store that reflects your unique vision and target specific audiences without the constraints of a crowded marketplace. By leveraging social media, you can directly reach your target audience and showcase your products without competing against hundreds of others in search results.
If you’re completely stuck on finding a profitable, trending niche, you can read 100+ niche & product ideas here! Make sure to grab your FREE POD Starter Kit to help you map out your niche picks, niche-focused products, creating your customer avatar & more!
Conclusion: Shopify vs Etsy
Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and Etsy depends on your goals and business style. If you enjoy crafting and want a simpler setup with a built-in audience, Etsy might be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking to build a brand, engage with your customers, and explore various niches, Shopify offers greater flexibility and long-term potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell on both Shopify and Etsy?
Yes, many sellers choose to operate on both platforms to maximize their reach. You can use Etsy to gain initial traction and then build a Shopify store for brand development.
Which platform has lower fees?
Etsy has lower upfront costs since there is no monthly subscription fee. However, their transaction fees can add up. Shopify charges a monthly fee but offers more robust features and lower transaction fees with certain plans.
How do I drive traffic to my Shopify store?
You can drive traffic to your Shopify store through social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and paid advertising campaigns. Additionally, SEO optimization can help attract organic traffic.
Is it easier to get started on Etsy or Shopify?
Etsy is generally easier to start with due to its built-in audience and straightforward setup process. Shopify requires more initial effort to create a unique store and drive traffic, but it offers greater long-term benefits.
What should I consider when choosing a platform?
Consider your business goals, the level of control you want over your brand, your marketing strategy, and your budget. Each platform has its strengths, and your choice should align with your vision for your print-on-demand business. Shopify vs Etsy: The Best for Print on Demand